LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) students achieved strong graduation and postsecondary readiness rates in the 2024–25 school year, according to results from the Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA). The data also highlight areas where the district must accelerate progress, including persistent achievement gaps and an increase in the number of schools identified for additional state support.
The district’s average graduation rate rose to 89.2 percent, and the postsecondary readiness rate climbed to 84 percent - marking steady improvement over the past three years. The graduation rate for Black students reached 90.8 percent, nearly matching their White peers, with a gap of just 0.1 percentage points, compared with a three-point difference three years ago.
“These results show the incredible dedication of our students and educators,” said JCPS Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood, who joined the district this year. “It’s clear that great work was underway, and I’m proud to build on that foundation. But it’s equally clear that we have unfinished business - our achievement gaps remain too wide, and too many of our schools need deeper, sustained support to ensure every student succeeds, every year.”
While graduation and readiness rates continue to climb, the KSA results show modest improvement in academic proficiency. Overall proficiency increased by 1 percentage point in reading, social studies, and writing, and by 2 points in math, with middle schools showing the strongest gains across all tested subjects. Despite this progress, achievement gaps among student groups remain large and largely unchanged, underscoring the need for continued focus on equity and high-quality instruction in every classroom.
The 2024–25 school year was also the first with a comprehensive literacy and math curriculum in all JCPS schools, ensuring consistent, high-quality instruction across classrooms. District leaders expect to see the long-term impact of these instructional changes reflected in future student outcomes.
While proficiency is moving in a positive direction, the KSA results show that overall accountability ratings remain a challenge. The number of Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) schools - those in the bottom five percent statewide - rose from 34 in 2022 (the last year schools entered CSI status) to 41 in 2025.
Dr. Yearwood stated that the district will provide intensive academic and operational support to CSI schools, with a focus on foundational literacy, mathematics, and student attendance.
“These schools represent our greatest opportunity for impact,” Yearwood said. “We will direct our strongest teams, most effective strategies, and best resources to help these schools turn results around. Every student, in every zip code, deserves access to high-quality instruction and the chance to thrive.”
“Test scores are one measure of success, but they don’t capture the whole picture,” Yearwood added. “We’re making progress, and we’re facing challenges head-on. Our job now is to deliver on the promise of equity and excellence for every student in Jefferson County.”